Besides too, there may haply be effected far greater matters with those cold Fires, as to the defence of the Countrey against the Turk, that Capital and Bloud-thirsty Tyrant and Enemy of the Christians, in some cases than with Gun-powder: if such moist Fires be cast into places a prety distance off by suitable Instruments, or be forced out of those lesser and greater Guns and War-like Canes, they will bring far greater Detriment to the Enemies than Gun-powder is want to do.
By this means, one weak Woman will in some cases be able to repel many armed Men; but this is a thing which such Men as are unskilfull in natural affairs, will deny till it be made manifest, and used against the Turk. Therefore I have a mind to set aside all other businesses, and to make those kinds of admirable Fires to the utmost of my power in great quantity, forasmuch as I well and assuredly know how great Detriment may be brought upon the Turks by the help thereof.
Fires they are which any one may carry about with him like Waters; they will not burn or overthrow Horse and Man sooner than any have a mind they shall. Nay yet more, if any has a mind to fortifie their Virtues, he may by adding other Fire-breathing matters, make them far more vehement and efficacious, and do far greater matters with them as being much more hurtfull than with those simple Fires.
And now seeing I have so very much commended the concentrated Fires of Salts, to
1. Diligent and provident Masters of Families, thereby to take away the superfluous watriness from their smaller Wines, Ales, and other Drinks, and so to concentrate them, and carry them (in case of necessity) into the strong and fenced Cities;
2. To the poor Chymists, that they might by them correct and better the Metals and so help their own poverty and want;
3. And to the Christian Chieftains of War, and faithfull Rulers of the Countrey, that they may stoutly resist the Turks, that are the sworn Enemies of the Christians.
I judge it altogether necessary to treat of them somewhat more clearly.
By what means and way this threefold use of cold Salts may be most profitable to the Countrey.
First of all, the concentrated Spirits of Salt may bring most great advantage, by concentrating the poorer sort of Wines, the which they make better, as is shown in the second Century: when the superfluous Water is removed from them, insomuch that they do not onely keep their goodness constant and durable, but may likewise be far more commodiously and easily transported out of one place into another, so that necessity requiring, they may be more easily transported out of such places as are more remote from Cities and fenced places into the stronger holds and fenced Cities, and so be conserved.